Senator Persaud Secures $200,000 in Funding for Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC)

Brooklyn, NY – On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) leadership, staff, fellows, and local high school students gathered at Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn for an official announcement regarding the allocation of $200,000 from the NYS Senate and $150,000 from the NYS Assembly to support JBRPC's vital work in protecting Jamaica Bay's unique ecosystems.

 

This significant investment, sponsored by Senator Roxanne J. Persaud in the Senate and Assembly Member Jaime Williams and Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer-Amato in the Assembly, underscores the commitment of local legislators to environmental conservation and community education initiatives.

 

“Jamaica Bay is a treasure for our community and a vital habitat for wildlife,” said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “This funding will empower the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy to continue its essential work in preserving our natural resources and educating the public about their importance.”

 

“As a longtime guardian of Jamaica Bay, it is my honor and privilege as a member of the New York State Assembly to jointly secure $150,000 in funding with my colleague Assemblywoman Stacey Pfeffer-Amato for the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy,” said Assembly Members Jaime Williams. “Jamaica Bay is our local treasure and a valuable resource, this funding is essential to help protect our shoreline, wildlife habitats and other natural resources. Our shoreline is the first line of defense against any storms or hurricanes and is also a habitat for aquatic animals, therefore we must continue to invest in the preservation of the Jamaica Bay for future generations to enjoy.”

 

“It’s an honor to work with my partners from the State Legislature to secure this vital funding for an amazing organization,” said Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer-Amato. “Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy has repeatedly proven itself as a leader in conservation and will now be able to further implement educational programing, coordinate cleanings, and repair our shorelines. They’re tremendous partners that have helped improve Jamaica Bay because, after all, Jamaica Bay is the Crown Jewel of NYC and must be protected!”

 

“This funding represents a tremendous commitment to Jamaica Bay and its enduring connection to our communities,” said Terri Carta, Executive 

Director of JBRPC. “JBRPC is grateful to Senator Persaud, and Assembly Members Williams and Pheffer-Amato for their leadership in keeping New York City’s largest tidal estuary clean, safe, and accessible. This transformative multi-year support will enable JBRPC to increase environmental stewardship and workforce development for natural areas, broaden ecological education and other public programming, and work alongside community and park partners to realize a long-held vision to reactivate two historic airplane hangars at Floyd Bennett Field for community and cultural programming, food and beverage service and other visitor amenities, and a climate innovation and jobs center focused on nature-based solutions and nature tech that specifically attracts people who live around Jamaica Bay.” 

 

The funds will be allocated to various projects focusing on habitat restoration, environmental education programs, and community engagement activities designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich biodiversity of Jamaica Bay.

 

Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) is a public-private partnership established in 2013 dedicated to improving 10,000 acres of public parklands throughout Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway peninsula, 18,000 acres of open water and marshlands within Jamaica Bay itself, and 11 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches along the Rockaway peninsula. With its partners at the National Park Service, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, JBRPC works to expand public access to parks; increase recreational and educational opportunities; foster community stewardship and volunteerism; preserve and restore natural areas, including wetlands and wildlife habitat; enhance cultural resources; and ensure the long-term sustainability of the parklands for local residents and visitors alike.